Rule 612. Falling on Puck

1. A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his body.

   (Note) Any player who drops to his knees to block a shot should not be penalized if the puck is shot under him or becomes lodged in his clothing or equipment, but any use of the hands to make the puck unplayable should be penalized promptly.

2. A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his body, when his body is entirely outside the boundaries of the goal crease and the puck is behind the goal line or when the puck is outside the boundaries of the ``goalkeeper's privileged area'', or who holds or places the puck against any part of the goal or against the boards, or when having an opportunity to play the puck with his stick prior to being pressured by an attacking player. (See also Rule 609(e) and Rule 609(f), Delaying the Game.)

3. No defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to fall on the puck or hold the puck or gather the puck into the body or hands when the puck is within the goal crease.

   For infringement of this rule, play shall immediately be stopped and a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the non-offending team. No other penalty shall be assessed; however, if the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice when the infraction occurs, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team and no penalty shot shall be awarded, if the action of the offending player prevents an obvious and imminent goal.

   (Note) This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot/optional minor will be awarded only when the puck is in the goal crease at the instant the infraction occurs. However, in cases where the puck is outside the crease, Rule 612(a) may still apply and a minor penalty may be imposed, even though no penalty shot is awarded.